Shire probes report of asbestos safety breach

TWEED Shire Council is investigating after workers were spotted breaching asbestos safety protocols this week.

At least three workers on site at Ray Pascoe Park, Kennedy Dr, Tweed Heads West, were seen not using breathing apparatus while working on a site suspected of containing asbestos.

The workers were installing a new water main and were photographed by the Daily News without the required breathing equipment on Wednesday, with one worker's device hanging around his neck.

Signs at the worksite declared that asbestos removal was in progress and as a result all workers were expected to wear the correct protective gear.

When asked about workers not wearing correct gear, the council responded with the following statement: "This is not believed to be the case as council has a removal plan which requires covering and council will reinforce to staff the adherence to that plan," a spokeswoman said.

"The fence has been erected to keep the public out as required and only people within the fenceline are required to wear the additional PPE (personal protective equipment), but only when the earthmoving machines are operating or within 10m of the machine."

Council workers were well within 10m of an operating machine when spotted without their required breathing apparatus. When a council official was shown a photograph of this, she said the council would look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.